Reviews & Ratings

2010 Franciscan Chardonnay "Cuvee Sauvage"

Winery: Franciscan

Vintage: 2010

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Cuvee Sauvage"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $40

Cases produced: 1,503

KWG Score: 87 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: December 4, 2012

Wine Review: This pale straw colored Chardonnay opens with fragrant vanilla oak and mild lemon bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, and rich. The flavor profile is an oak influenced lemon with notes butterscotch and minerality. I also detected hints of white pepper as well. The finish is dry and its oak flavors remain as this wine drifts away. This wine is a very traditional oaky California Chardonnay. Those who like this style will really like it a lot. I would serve this wine with lobster bisque. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Delicate lemon yellow colored. Rich apple and pear fruit aromas are intertwined with notes of crème brulee, honey, toasty oak, and vanilla. The nose is layered with subtle hints of Meyer lemon and white peach adding dimension and complexity. Luxurious and full on the palate, showing rich flavors of apple tart, honeysuckle, vanilla, and fresh cream, with ripe pear, hints of citrus, and abundant minerality. Very full and vibrant with a velvety mouthfeel and a long finish highlighted by poached pear and hints of apricot.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Franciscan 2010 Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay.